A note on ratings: I use the 100 point rating for Cellartracker, even though my palate is still developing. As a statistics geek, I know that the variability in scores works itself out as the number of scores increases. However, my score may not be yours or Robert Parker’s, it is simply a subjective value based on my palate. I much prefer to use a 5 point (or star, or whatever you want to call it) scale, as it more represents my reaction to wine, which is more simple than a 100 point scale represents. I like the 20 point scale as the more detailed score. On this site, I will provide all three, although the most meaningful are the 5 and 20 point ratings.

Tasting Notes: 100% Montepulciano. 12.5% ABV. Dark purple color. Nose is candied red fruit, a hint of a floral component, but mostly candy. Flavors are far more subdued than I expected. Some cherry, and cranberry, not nearly as jammy as the nose suggested until the finish. Medium finish, decent structure. Solid wine, not great, not bad, will be a nice Wednesday night pizza wine. Simple.
Rating: 3/5, 12/20, 82/100

Price: Unknown. Was in the $100 case at Chesapeake Wine, but they don’t give individual prices. Next time I’m in, I’ll check the price if I remember, it’s probably around $10.

A note on ratings: I use the 100 point rating for Cellartracker, even though my palate is still developing. As a statistics geek, I know that the variability in scores works itself out as the number of scores increases. However, my score may not be yours or Robert Parker’s, it is simply a subjective value based on my palate. I much prefer to use a 5 point (or star, or whatever you want to call it) scale, as it more represents my reaction to wine, which is more simple than a 100 point scale represents. I like the 20 point scale as the more detailed score. On this site, I will provide all three, although the most meaningful are the 5 and 20 point ratings.

I am young woman in wine, reviewing and vlogging the best of what New Zealand wine has to offer – it’s personalities, it’s stories, and most importantly the uniqueness inside each and every bottle.

Sharing no known lineage with Robert Parker (the USA’s Wine Advocate), though a common background – I’m passionate about learning, tasting and enjoying what the world of wine has to offer.

I’m pursuing my passion… It’s been a lifelong one – growing up as a wine makers only daughter, with five brothers – my day-to-day life has hardly been prosaic. I grew up in a family of wine and entrepreneurship.

Now having finished my Law Degree at Otago University, I have chosen to honour my fervour for Wine and am on a journey of discovery – endeavouring to navigate the unchartered world of wine & ultimately seeking to achieve my MW perpetually learning, reviewing (and enjoying!) wine.

The move would have upset an uneasy compromise reached last week between proponents of direct shipping – a majority of the 47 senators – and Sen. Joan Carter Conway, the head of the health committee and a unwavering opponent of the bill. They agreed to amend a direct shipping study to Conway’s Winery Modernization Act, a bill that includes a slate of technical changes to winery law. (Here’s our latest story on the winery legislation in the General Assembly, and our longer overview.)

Zirkin’s gambit prompted nearly 30 minutes of debate on the Senate floor, with some direct shipping proponents urging him to give up his amendment so as not to scuttle the modernization bill, and others clamoring for a chance to put the idea to a full-Senate vote.

Sen. Delores G. Kelley, D-Baltimore County, said her office received more than 900 calls from direct shipping supporters this year.

“I must keep my word and I must support this, because apparently it’s the only way it will come before us,” Kelley said.

In the end, Zirkin acquiesced to those who asked him to withdraw his amendment – “I wish you had done that 25 minutes earlier,” Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller deadpanned – but not before Sen. Alex X. Mooney, R-Frederick and Washington, tried to force a vote on the issue. He took the unusual step of resisting Zirkin’s attempt to withdraw his own amendment, calling for vote on the motion.

But now, all those people who say they are for direct shipping being legal don’t actually have to vote on it and put the contributions from the distributors at risk. Well done, Senate, well done.

This past Saturday John and I organized the March MPA Wine Tasting, hosted by Louis-David’s friend, Mari-Ann and boyfriend Alex. The theme was Alsace, focusing on classic single varietals and a pinot noir… Yes Alsace also produces red wine! Although caution, this particular pinot noir was certainly no crowd pleaser. Personally I wasn’t overly impressed with any of the wines. Although I would loosely recommend the Pinot Gris Grand Cru and the Gewürztraminer. An interesting note of reference is that both of these wines were produced by W. Gisselbrecht, whereas the bottom three rankings were produced by Domaines Schlumberger

Regional Overview …

Alsace, in Northeast France just south of Strasbourg, is the only wine region of France represented in the vast majority by only one Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, the Alsace AOC. Whereas most all other wine regions of France distinguish themselves, including on the label, by the sub-appellations (Eg. Saint-Estèphe and Romanée-Conti), Alsace wines distinguish themselves by the grape variety. This variety-focused approach can be compared to that of the US. (more…)

Tasting Notes: This is something unusual; I’ve never had wine from this place or of this type of grape. I think the primary grape is Gros Manseng, but the wine could have a blend including Courbu, Sauvignon Blanc, and Arrufiac. 13% ABV. There is limited information on the label, I’ll have to ask the next time I’m in the store more about the wine. Anyway, the wine is a dark straw color. Nose is tight, a little lemon, some minerality. The attack is all lemon and lime, the there is a transition to a little orange and a lot of minerality. Finish is very long, nice acid. I keep wanting another sip. Unusual, excellent.

Rating: 4/5, 16/20, 88/100.

Price: Not sure, probably in the $10 range. Was part of the March $100 case at Chesapeake Wine

A note on ratings: I use the 100 point rating for Cellartracker, even though my palate is still developing. As a statistics geek, I know that the variability in scores works itself out as the number of scores increases. However, my score may not be yours or Robert Parker’s, it is simply a subjective value based on my palate. I much prefer to use a 5 point (or star, or whatever you want to call it) scale, as it more represents my reaction to wine, which is more simple than a 100 point scale represents. I like the 20 point scale as the more detailed score. On this site, I will provide all three, although the most meaningful are the 5 and 20 point ratings.

Tasting Notes: 100% Merlot. 13.5% ABV. Nice violet color. Smokey and dark fruit on the nose. Taste is bright dark fruit, plum and blackberry, smooth mouthfeel, nice tannins on the back end, a touch disjointed on the finish which knocks this off being spectacular. Excellent QPR. Went very well with grilled lamb chops.

A note on ratings: I use the 100 point rating for Cellartracker, even though my palate is still developing. As a statistics geek, I know that the variability in scores works itself out as the number of scores increases. However, my score may not be yours or Robert Parker’s, it is simply a subjective value based on my palate. I much prefer to use a 5 point (or star, or whatever you want to call it) scale, as it more represents my reaction to wine, which is more simple than a 100 point scale represents. I like the 20 point scale as the more detailed score. On this site, I will provide all three, although the most meaningful are the 5 and 20 point ratings.